Amphiptere (also called Amphithere, Amphitere, or Phipthere; meaning bi-winged, two-winged) is a type of winged serpent found in European heraldry.[1]
Appearance
A heraldic amphiptere
Amphipteres generally were said to have light-colored feathers like a sunrise, a serpentine body similar to a lindworm, bat-like wings with feathers covering most of the forearm and often greenish in coloration, and a long tail much like a wyvern's tail. Others are described as entirely covered in feathers with a spiked tail, bird-like wings, and a beak-like snout.
Usage
Amphipteres saw infrequent use as heraldic devices. Amphipteres are present on the arms of the House of Potier, which depict a bendlet purpure between two amphipteres. The Potier heraldry also uses amphipteres as supporters, as do those of the Duke of Tresmes and Duke of Gesvres.[2]
Modern fiction
Amphipteres appear in other modern fictional works.
The Dragonology series of books employ a conceit that dragons are real and that the amphithere is a species that inspired myths about Quetzalcōātl.[3]
In the Digimon franchise, Airdramon is modeled after an amphiptere.
